India successfully launches South Asia satellite

South Asian leaders hail GSAT-9 launch by India

The Indian Space Research Organisation launched the GSAT-9, popularly termed as South Asia Satellite, on Friday.

The Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV)-F09 carrying GSAT-9 lifted off from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Shriharikota, Andhra Pradesh, at 4.57 pm on Friday.

GSLV-F09 mission is the eleventh flight of GSLV and its fourth consecutive flight with the indigenous Cryogenic Upper Stage, the ISRO had said earlier.

'GSAT-9 is a Geostationary Communication Satellite with the objective to provide various communication applications in Ku-band with coverage over South Asian countries. GSAT-9 is configured around the ISRO’s standard I-2K bus, with lift off mass of 2,230 kg. The main structure of the satellite is cuboid in shape built around a central cylinder with a mission life of more than 12 years,’ the ISRO had said in a release.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the launch as a ‘historic moment’ and said it opens up new horizons of engagement among the countries of the region.

Soon after taking over as the prime minister in 2014, Modi had made a unilateral proposal of India launching the satellite whose data would be shared with the eight South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation countries for their development.

Initially, it was to be named as ‘SAARC satellite’ but its name was changed to South Asia Satellite after Pakistan refused to join the project.

India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Maldives and Afghanistan are now part of the project.

The GSAT-9 is a Geostationary Communication Satellite and data from it will be shared with the other five countries.

Leaders of six member countries of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation congratulated India on the successful launch of GSAT-9, popularly known as the South Asia Satellite.

"The gap between talk and action is bridged today. The imperative of regional cooperation is changed to the reality. If cooperation through land is not possible, it is certainly possible through sky and we are confident that we will integrate," said Afghanistan's President Ashraf Ghani.

President Ghani said that ‘development must become citizen centric. Today’s initiative is child centred and women centred, it makes governance accessible’.

Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said, “I congratulate the government of India. And hope this will open a new horizon of cooperation in the region.”

Nepal PM Pushpa Kamal Dahal said the satellite will be helpful to provide communication services in mountain and hilly regions of Nepal.

Maldives President Abdulla Yameen said the launching of South Asia Satellite signifies India’s neighbourhood first policy.

"Sincerely hope that we’ll be able to set aside differences and work together as an organisation that can fulfil hopes. Sabka saath, sabka vikas," Yameen said.

Congratulating India on the launch, Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena said, “It signifies intent to build cordial relations and vision for cooperation with SAARC countries.”

Bhutan PM Tshering Tobgay said the launch of this satellite will boost regional cooperation and bring about common progress of our region.

IMAGE: The fully integrated GSLV-F06 carrying GSAT-9 at the second launch pad. Photograph: ISRO